Istanbul Travel Forum

HI there
We are staying in the old quarter at the Hotel Nena and then have to change to the Hotel Conrad on the other side of the city. What would be the easiest way of doing this? Could we use the ferry and then walk to the hotel from the pier?
Have heard that taxi prices get pretty expensive once you cross the bridge.
Thanks in advance.

Conrad Hotel is in Besiktas that is in the European side of Istanbul and you don’t need to cross the Bosporus Bridge.

The cheapest way to go to Conrad from Nena Hotel is riding tram from Sultanahmet to Kabatas and take bus. But this is not very convenient. There is no ferry to there.

The best way is to take taxi. It costs around 15TL (10$)

Have a look at the Tram web site:
http://www.istanbul-ulasim.com.tr/en/default.asp
and the map showing the T1 tram route
http://www.istanbul-ulasim.com.tr/harita/RayliSistemler.jpg
You go over the Galata Bridge.
Think its best to take a taxi from Kabatas.
The ferries summer times are listed on this TinyUrl :
http://tinyurl.com/oa8c44

The reason for the taxi service expense is the toll bridge- tolls paid one way only - from Blue Mosque side to Taskim [Gallert tower] area. Batar like mad - agree price before you get into taxi - you pay the toll as part of your fee - and the drive will wave the notes in his hand to prove that he is not ripping you off. Expect to get change in a number of currencies - take US$ for best batar power. The taxi rates are the same both sides - its the toll that pushes the price up - and you can't walk across the bridge as it's too far

Sorry mightymazz, some info you have given is not correct.

Both Blue Mosque and Taksim area are in European side and there is no tall bridge between them. There is one bridge called Galata but it is free to cross and open to pedestrian.

A taxi is by far the easiest way to go. You can save some money on the taxi fare by taking the tram across the Golden Horn to the end of the line. However, the savings wouldn't be that much since you have to pay for two tram fares and the tram may be crowded (no fun with luggage).

hi.
Don't cry, no need to cross the bridge.

Max